Businesses operating in Bluefield, WV are subject to a number of tax obligations, permit and license requirements, as well as zoning and other requirements at the City level. Other county, state and federal obligations may be required, depending on the type of business. Knowing these obligations and requirements beforehand will help ensure that your business complies with all requirements.

The following is specific information about the City requirements for starting or operating a business in Bluefield. City Administration contact information is provided at the end of this document.

Zoning and Inspections – If constructing a new building, addition or modifying existing floor plans, you must first contact the City Engineer to discuss the plans. He will ensure that the proposed business plans are allowable for the business zone, and advise of any property line setbacks, parking and storm water drainage requirements. The individual may be required to submit a site plan for his proposal and a plat plan to document any physical changes to the property. The engineer will also assist if a zoning variance or a planning commission meeting is required for the project. This step could take some time to accomplish.

After zoning approval, if structural alterations are planned, building plans must be submitted to and reviewed by the Building Inspection Department to assure compliance with applicable building codes. The type of plans required will depend on the size, complexity and extent of alterations. Commercial building projects may also require review for Life Safety Code issues by the Fire Inspectors Office. Other agencies such as Health Dept. may also have to review the plans. This step can take from a few minutes to several days to complete.

Once the building plans are approved, application for a building permit can be submitted. The application requires owner information, location, project costs and a copy of a contract, estimate or work order from the contractor (unless it is a DIY project). Contractors must have a WV contractor’s license and a valid Bluefield business license. This step can usually be accomplished in a brief visit to City Hall.

Obtaining a building permit is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, although in many cases, the contractor provides this as a service. Failure to obtain proper permits can cause delay to the project as well as financial penalties to owner and contractor. The property owner or contractor is responsible to arrange inspections of work performed at certain intervals, which are noted on the building permit document.

If the project involves newly acquired property, change of ownership forms and opening a garbage pick up account will need to be done at this time.

After proper building inspections, and any needed corrections are completed, a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued and the property can be occupied or the business operation begun.

Fire – The Bluefield Fire Department requires the following information in writing prior to a new business opening in Bluefield.

• Location of business
• Type of business to be conducted
• Plans or drawings – If there are no plans or drawings, upon the business owners request, we will visit the site to provide guidance

Once the above information is received by the Fire Department an inspection will be conducted by Fire Department personnel. Inspections will vary depending on the type of business. Contact the Bluefield Fire Department for more information concerning fire department inspections for your business type.

City Clerk – A general business license, ($15.00) is required to operate all businesses within Bluefield city limits and is available from the City Clerk. Depending on the type of business, other licenses and fees may apply. The business license, issued for a period of one year, renews annually on July 1. Complete fee rates are available by contacting the City Clerk.

Treasury – All persons engaging in business activities within the city limits, unless specifically exempted by city code, are required to file a quarterly Business & Occupation (B&O) tax return.

B&O tax is measured by the application of rates against values of products, gross proceeds of sale, or gross income of the business.

Tax rates vary as certain occupations and business activities are classified. The business activity usually determines the tax classification, and where different business activities take place, the taxpayer is liable for tax under each taxable classification involved. If you are uncertain as to your business activity, or how your business should properly calculate the tax, please contact our office.

Other fees associated with operating a business in Bluefield include:

Fire Protection – Fire service fees, charged quarterly to all business, are based on total square footage of the structure.

Street Fee – A quarterly fee of $25.00 is charged to all businesses licensed to do business in Bluefield. This fee is used for street repair and improvements.

Commercial Garbage – Commercial trash rates are available upon request.

Contacts